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| June 8, 2012 |
Why companies have to trust their customers
Companies can't expect their customers to trust them if they don't trust their customers. One way that businesses can demonstrate this trust is by creating websites that give potential clients easy access to important information such as pricing. Forbes (6/5)
How small businesses can prevent data breaches
Research shows many small-business owners don't think their companies are at risk of experiencing data breaches, but that isn't necessarily the case. Small companies can use a number of strategies to protect themselves from data breaches; for example, they can implement privacy policies and use data encryption. BusinessNewsDaily.com (6/7)
When to consider a CRM solution
Your business might benefit from a customer relationship management solution if disorganization is hurting your ability to make sales, Christopher J. Bucholtz writes. You also might want to consider CRM if you can't keep track of all of your customer data or if your current customers start to take their business elsewhere. CRM Buyer (6/7)
Using social media to get -- and keep -- customers' attention
Find out which social media platforms your customers use. Get fresh, original content in front of them regularly. And identify customers who will evangelize for your brand. Those are among the ways small business can engage customers through social media, experts say. Another tip: Get employee input on Twitter content that is relevant to local audiences. BusinessNewsDaily.com (6/7)
7 tips for success in the new world of customer service
Consumers are demanding higher levels of customer service than what they have traditionally received, writes Marty Zwilling of Startup Professionals. Consumers now want to be able to select which channel they would like to use, and they need to be able to switch between them without having to restart the customer-service process, Zwilling writes, drawing on a book by Micah Solomon. Startup Professionals Musings blog (6/6)
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Workers are motivated by trust and relevant work
To effectively motivate workers, give them room to grow and the stability they need, Glenn Llopis writes. Employees also want to know they can trust bosses to back them up and they want to do relevant work that has an effect. Overall, what workers seek is to be happy in their jobs, Llopis concludes. Forbes (6/4)
How to reduce employee mistakes
Letting your employees know they have made mistakes can be difficult, especially for people who have been taught to avoid confrontation, Kelly Azevedo writes. You can reduce the number of errors that your employees make by making your expectations clear and by using project management software. Young Entrepreneur Council (6/7)
4 ways to lead change successfully
Change leadership shouldn't be an afterthought for executives, writes Christine M. Riordan. To lead change successfully, it's important to set aside time each day for change-related activities and to demonstrate -- through your actions -- your belief in the need for change.
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Keys for using social media to raise money
Companies might get better results from their social fundraising efforts if they post regular updates and appeal to their audience on a personal level, according to Slava Rubin of Indiegogo. "Having a great, authentic pitch video that tells your story is the first step," he noted. It's also a good idea to provide some sort of value for donors, according to Joe Cassara of You Need My Guy. The Washington Post/On Small Business blog (6/4)
How to find new revenue sources
Small-business owners can bring in more revenue by looking for additional, related streams of income. "[W]hen you use your current business as a foundation it is easy to keep your attention focused on your business and allow it to launch you into other related areas," writes Gladys Edmunds. When identifying these new revenue streams, you should think about what other services you can offer and what the market is looking for, she writes. USA Today (6/5)
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BBB gives "F" grade to a law office it says misled the public
BBB has downgraded its rating for a Minnesota company called the Affordable Law Center that it says used misleading advertising. "There's a clear pattern of deception on the part of this company," BBB's Dana Badgerow said. "They have advertised themselves as legal experts here and in other states, when in fact they are not." Duluth News Tribune (Minn.) (6/8)
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